Group Therapy for Children & Teens

Storyhouse offers group counseling for children and teens ages 5–17. Each group is designed for a specific age range and developmental level so kids can connect, participate, and learn alongside peers who are a good fit for them.

We want every child to have a positive and meaningful group experience. That’s why we’re intentional about how groups are formed.

After parents or caregivers complete the required forms and questionnaires, we’ll review the information to better understand each child’s needs, strengths, and goals. If we need additional information, we may reach out for a follow-up conversation.

Groups are formed with age, developmental needs, group dynamics, and the overall goals of the group in mind. Our goal is to bring together kids who can learn from and grow alongside one another.

Not at all! New clients are welcome to participate in Storyhouse groups. You’ll just need to complete the required intake forms and questionnaires so we can determine which group may be the best fit.

Our ideal group size is around 8 children, although this may vary depending on the ages of the participants, the group topic, and the needs of the group.

Most groups meet once a week for 6–8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. Groups generally run for consecutive weeks, although occasional breaks may occur for holidays or scheduling needs.

Each group has a designated start and end date, and no new members are added once the group begins.

Because groups build on skills and relationships from week to week, we encourage families to make attendance a priority. We understand that illness and unexpected circumstances happen. If your child needs to miss a session, please let us know as soon as possible.

Group counseling might actually be a great place for them to start! We understand that joining a group of unfamiliar kids can feel intimidating, especially for a child who is naturally quiet or hesitant in social situations.

At Storyhouse, we create an environment where kids are encouraged to respect one another, participate at their own pace, and gradually build connections. With guidance and support, quieter children have opportunities to practice speaking up, joining conversations, interacting with different personalities, and building confidence in a setting where they’re not expected to have it all figured out.

That may be one of the reasons group counseling could be especially helpful. Group gives kids opportunities to practice the very skills they may be struggling with in everyday friendships.

When disagreements, misunderstandings, or challenging behaviors come up, we can help kids recognize what’s happening, understand how their actions affect others, and practice responding differently. Rather than simply telling kids how to handle a situation, we have the opportunity to guide them through it as it happens.

We’ll explore your child’s needs during the intake process to determine whether a particular group is an appropriate fit. Our goal is to create an environment where every child has the opportunity to learn and make progress while maintaining a respectful and supportive experience for the entire group.

Confidentiality is an important part of creating an environment where kids feel comfortable sharing and participating. At the beginning of each group, we’ll establish expectations around privacy, respect, and how we treat one another. We’ll continue reinforcing those expectations throughout the group.

One of the phrases we teach is, “What is said in group, stays in group.”

Because group counseling involves multiple children and families, we cannot guarantee that every participant will maintain confidentiality outside of sessions. However, we take time to teach and reinforce why respecting one another’s privacy matters.

Absolutely! Sometimes a combination of individual and group counseling can be especially helpful. Individual sessions provide space to process personal experiences and work through challenges one-on-one, while groups offer opportunities to practice skills and learn alongside peers.

We’ll help you consider what approach, or combination of approaches, makes the most sense for your child. Learn more about individual counseling.

We believe parents are an important part of helping kids carry what they’re learning into everyday life. Throughout the group, we’ll provide periodic updates about topics covered, skills being practiced, and ways you can continue those conversations or reinforce those skills at home.

We’ll respect the privacy of individual group members while keeping families informed about the overall focus and goals of the group.

Group counseling is $65 per child, per session.

You can find additional information about payment and policies on our Fees & Payment page.

New groups will be offered throughout the school year based on the needs and interests of the kids and families we serve. You can follow Storyhouse on social media for announcements, check our website for current and upcoming groups, join an interest list when available, or contact our office to ask what’s coming next.

Don’t see a group that fits what your child needs? Let us know! We’re always open to exploring new group topics based on the needs we’re hearing from families.